"I hope you said all your goodbyes, kid, because as soon as we come out of this long tunnel, you'll see the academy…and perhaps never see anything again!"
While at first frightening, Tsukune had dismissed the bus driver's words initially. After all, since he had failed all of his other entrance exams, he didn't have any other choice. How bad could Yokai Academy really be?
Once he stepped off the bus, though, Tsukune knew that the man hadn't been joking. What Tsukune presumed to be the academy was a set of dilapidated buildings off in the distance framed by a sheer cliff over a red sea on one side and surrounded by a dark, uninviting forest. He couldn't be sure from where he stood, but Tsukune was almost positive he saw gravestones adorned with skulls poking out from the edges of the forest. The only thing that didn't send shivers down his spine was the crudely constructed scarecrow standing beneath a tree nearby, but that was hardly a welcome sight.
"Welcome to your new school, son. You take care now…"
Tsukune looked back just in time to see the bus vanish into the foreboding tunnel from whence it came. Resigned to the fact that he had nowhere else to go, Tsukune began walking towards the academy, attempting to reassure himself along the way.
"It looks scary, but it's got to be a respectable school, right?" he said, still unsure. "My parents wouldn't send me to a school where I would be in harm's way, right? Right?" He laughed nervously to himself. From behind him, he could hear a faint noise growing louder. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. "It's nothing, it's nothing, it's noth—"
"Watch out!"
A girl's voice? Tsukune hardly had time to think before he was struck from behind, knocking him to the ground. He winced from the impact, but as he pushed himself off the ground his hand hit something soft, and the person next to him gasped. Looking up, he saw that a very pretty girl had crashed into him on her bike. She had long pink hair and was wearing the same school uniform as he was; after a moment of stunned silence, Tsukune glanced down and saw that his hand was clutching her thigh.
"Gah! I'm sorry!" Tsukune exclaimed, quickly withdrawing his hand.
However, the girl didn't seem to notice, and was still a bit groggy. She looked up at Tsukune and her eyes widened. "I'm so sorry!" she said. "Let me get that for you." Reaching into her pocket, she drew out a handkerchief and dabbed at the side of Tsukune's head. When she brought the cloth away from his face, Tsukune could see a small blot of blood on it. He touched the side of his face and noted that there was indeed a small cut on the side of his face.
"Ohhh…your blood…I can smell it…" The girl said under her breath.
"Er…what?" Tsukune asked, confused by the girl's reaction.
"I'm sorry," she replied, putting her hands on his shoulders, "but you see—" The girl leaned in close to Tsukune's neck. "—I'm a vampire."
Before Tsukune could process these words, the girl had sunk her teeth into his neck and began sucking his blood.
"V-VAMPIRE?!" Tsukune cried.
The vampire girl drew back, apparently realizing what she'd done. "I'm so sorry! My name is Akashiya Moka. I wouldn't dream of doing something like that…if I weren't—"
"—A vampire?!" Tsukune finished her sentence.
"Mm-hmm! And I have to say, your blood is really delicious." Despite the "compliment" Moka had given him, Tsukune stared speechless. "Do you…um…" Moka nervously tried to break the awkward silence. "Do you…not like vampires?"
"Not like vampires? Don't be ridiculous!" Tsukune replied nervously, fearing for his safety. "I love vampires!"
"Oh, I'm so glad! Then we can be friends!" exclaimed Moka exuberantly. "I was worried because I'm new here!"
A girl this cute wants to be friends with me? thought Tsukune. Looks like my luck might be turning around. "My name is Aono Tsukune."
"Nice to meet you Tsukune!" Moka replied cheerfully. "Let's talk again after the commencement ceremony is over."
Moka got back on her bike and rode off towards the academy, leaving Tsukune to walk the rest of the way. He picked up his pace to avoid being late, trying to focus more on the fact that he had spoken with such an attractive girl and less on the fact that she had sucked his blood.
Once he arrived at the auditorium, Tsukune found that the students were already seated and almost all of the spots were taken. A boy sitting near the outer edge of one of the rows of seats saw Tsukune's plight and waved him over. He had light green hair and grey-green eyes that clashed horribly with his school uniform. He caught Tsukune's attention, and Tsukune hurried over and sat down next to him.
"Thanks," he said as he took his seat. "Did I miss anything?'
"No, the speaker still hasn't come out," the boy replied. "My name is Koei Kidoku. What's yours?" Kidoku extended a hand to Tsukune.
"Aono Tsukune," he replied, shaking the boy's hand. "Pleased to meet you."
"Likewise," Kidoku said, smiling.
Before the conversation could go any further, however, the school's Chairman appeared on the stage. He wore white robes and a habit that obscured his face, with a cross and rosary dangling from his neck. Tsukune was intrigued by his odd appearance, as was Kidoku.
"Nice getup, eh?" Kidoku commented. Tsukune nodded in agreement. A low murmur could be heard throughout the auditorium as the students whispered rumors about the mysterious man on the stage. Their voices died down once he started speaking.
"I'd like to welcome you all to the prestigious Yokai Academy," the Chairman began. "As you all know, this school is exclusively for monsters. However, in order to promote the ability to coexist with humans, you are all to remain in your disguises while here. You are not to reveal your true form to anyone."
Tsukune blanched at the Chairman's words. A school for monsters? This is a joke, right? Looking around, though, he noticed that no one else was amused; in fact, they hadn't so much as batted an eyelash at this outlandish statement.
Tsukune nudged Kidoku. "Was that some kind of joke?" he inquired.
"Hm? I doubt they'd get mad at you for shifting if it was necessary, but they're trying to discourage it," he replied, missing the point. "Why, what's your true form?" Before Tsukune could answer, Kidoku continued, "Oh, but he just told us to keep it a secret, didn't he? My bad."
Tsukune laughed nervously and looked around the room. As far as he could see, everyone looked human, but from what the man onstage had just said, every single one of them was a monster, even the smiling boy sitting next to him. "I've got to get out of here!" he thought to himself. "I'll just have to retake the entrance exams next year." Set in his course of action, Tsukune decided that all he could do was to get through the day without drawing too much attention to himself.
The rest of the commencement ceremony was a blur to Tsukune. He couldn't focus on what the Chairman was talking about, and only became aware of his surroundings again when the speech was over and everyone stood up to go to their homeroom. Tsukune dug in his pockets and produced a crumpled piece of paper that contained his schedule. Towards the top, there was a line that said "Homeroom: 103 – Nekonome."
"What's your homeroom, Tsukune?" Kidoku asked.
"Room 103," Tsukune replied, somewhat wary of Kidoku now that he knew he was a monster.
"Hey, same here! We should sit together in class."
Tsukune nodded absentmindedly and folded up the paper once more, putting it back into his pocket. He and Kidoku then left the auditorium and headed toward room 103.
On the inside, the academy looked to be in much better condition than its exterior would suggest. It looked like most normal schools would, actually, with a slightly classical throwback in style…and of course, the various trophy cases and artistic displays around the halls that served as a constant reminder that this academy was not for humans.
"Can you believe this place?" Kidoku exclaimed. "It's such a nice looking school! Much better than the ones in the human world, anyway."
Tsukune perked up. "The human world? You've been there?"
The duo arrived at room 103 with little trouble. Tsukune took a seat toward the middle of the room, while Kidoku took the seat to his right. Once they were settled in, Kidoku continued.
"My mother sent me there for middle school so I would be exposed to human girls," he said, grinning sheepishly. "I don't think it went as well as she wanted."
"Why would you want to meet human girls if you're a monster?" asked Tsukune.
Before Kidoku could answer, though, the homeroom teacher entered the room. All of the students became silent and turned in their seats to face forward. The teacher was dressed quite unusually for an authority figure; very casual by most standards. Tsukune noticed that two tufts of hair on her head looked like cat ears. They probably ARE cat ears, he thought. After all, she's a monster too.
"Good morning, class!" she said brightly. "I am Nekonome Shizuka, and I will be your homeroom teacher. As you all know, Yokai is an academy for monsters." She picked up a ruler and used it to point to a set of crude drawings on the chalkboard. "However, the world is currently dominated by humans." This was accompanied by a stick figure standing on top of the world. "Therefore, we must learn to coexist with the humans. To do so, we must maintain our human disguises! As the Chairman told you earlier, you are not to break your disguise while you are here, even to your fellow students. To master the art of disguise is critical to survival among humans!"
"But sensei, can't we just eat all of the humans?" asked a ferocious looking boy a few seats from Tsukune. "Aside from all of the beautiful girls, of course." There was a wicked glint in his eye as he licked his lips.
"Don't be silly!" replied Nekonome. "Besides, all of the students and faculty are monsters, too. This school is set behind a protective barrier; no human has seen it and lived."
Tsukune swallowed hard. So if they find out I'm a human, they'll kill me?!
Kidoku leaned toward Tsukune. "I've heard about that guy," he whispered. "His name's Komiya Saizo. Supposedly, he caused a lot of trouble in the human world. He's definitely not the kind of guy you want to piss off."
"Sorry I'm late!" a voice called from the doorway. Everyone turned to the door to see who the latecomer was, though Tsukune thought the voice sounded familiar. In through the doorway stepped a girl with unmistakable pink hair. "I got lost on the way over from the commencement ceremony," said Moka, slightly embarrassed that everyone's eyes were on her; the boys in the class were making her particularly uncomfortable.
"…Moka?" Tsukune said.
Moka's eyes locked onto Tsukune. "Tsukune!" she cried happily, running over to him. "Oh, I'm so glad we have homeroom together!" Beaming, she took a seat behind him.
Tsukune noticed that he was receiving death glares from every boy in the class, including Saizo…well, almost everyone. Kidoku seemed to find the situation delightful more than anything, and he chuckled softly as Tsukune withered under the oppressive stares.
After their classes were over, the trio left the main building and headed toward the dorms. Tsukune had introduced Moka to Kidoku, and the two had hit it off fairly well, primarily because Kidoku was the only boy aside from Tsukune who wasn't constantly drooling over Moka. The girl had clung to Tsukune's arm the entire time, much to Kidoku's amusement.
Once they arrived at the dorms, they each decided it would be best if they checked into their rooms before doing anything else, and agreed to meet again in the courtyard in half an hour. Moka left for the girls' dorm while Tsukune and Kidoku walked together to the boys' dorm.
"Moka really seems to have a thing for you, Tsukune," said Kidoku as they picked up their room keys from the front counter. "I almost felt like a third wheel for a while there."
"We just met today, though," replied Tsukune. "I think she's just friendly."
"Y'know, a lot of guys have it out for you because she's always on your arm."
Tsukune opened the door to the stairwell and the two began climbing. "Yeah, I noticed. They're either glaring at me or swooning over her," he lamented. "Speaking of which, you don't seem to be affected too much."
"I don't think she's my type," he said offhandedly. They had arrived at Tsukune's floor. "I'm another three floors up, so I guess I'll see you in a bit," said Kidoku, continuing to walk up the stairs.
Making a dash to his room, Tsukune wasted no time in gathering up all of his belongings. He hastily scrawled out a letter of withdrawal and sealed it in an envelope, then grabbed everything he had packed and ran down the stairs to the lobby. He checked the clock; twenty minutes had passed. Pinned to the wall beneath the clock was the bus schedule. Tsukune glanced at the departure times and realized he only had ten minutes before the next bus left. I guess I'll just have to mail them my letter of withdrawal, he thought. Rounding on the spot, he sprinted out the door, nearly colliding with Moka, who had been waiting just outside.
"Tsukune, what are those bags for?" she asked.
"I'm…leaving, Moka-san," Tsukune replied. "I want…I want to go to a human school!"
Moka gasped. "No! You can't! Humans are horribly cruel!" Tsukune was surprised by Moka's sudden outburst. "I went to middle school in the human world. They all shunned me and treated me like a freak. I hate humans!" Moka exclaimed. There were tears welling up in her eyes now. "That's why I'm so glad I met you, Tsukune…I was all alone, and now I have you for a friend."
She moved to take Tsukune's arm, but he pulled away. "Moka-san, what if I was one of those humans you despise so much?" Tsukune asked quietly, his face to the ground.
Moka's eyes widened and she backed away from Tsukune slowly. "Tsukune, I—"
"Well, I am a human! You hate humans, right? Well, maybe I…maybe I don't like monsters, either!"
Tsukune snatched up his bags and ran for the bus stop, leaving Moka alone. When the full impact of Tsukune's words hit her, tears began to fall down her pretty face. She headed into the woods to be alone for a while.
A few minutes later, Kidoku walked out of the dorm. "Okay, guys, what do you want to…" he began to say, until he realized no one was there. "Huh. They must be running late." Kidoku sat down on a bench and watched the clouds float by as he waited for his new friends to arrive.
Moka walked aimlessly among the dark trees of the forest, sobbing and mumbling to herself. "I should've known it was too good to be true…I finally make a real friend, and then…"
"What brings you out here alone, beautiful?" Out of nowhere, a hand grabbed Moka by the wrist. She turned to face her captor.
"S-Saizo?!"
"If you're feeling lonely, I'll fix that," he said, laughing menacingly. His tongue began to extend and small spikes jutted out of his back around his shoulders. "Sorry," he said as his shirt was ripped apart, giving way to the rippling muscles underneath, "but when I get excited like this, I can't stay in human form." Saizo had finished transforming, and he had grown considerably during the process. His tongue flicked the air near Moka's face. "I'm going to make you mine, Moka Akashiya!"
"TSUKUNE!!!" Moka cried.
Tsukune had made it to the bus stop with time to spare, and was now gazing up at the scarecrow's pumpkin head as he thought about the unusual day he had experienced. Is this what I really want? I'd get to go back to my normal life and forget about monsters…but Moka and Kidoku seem so nice.
The bus pulled up a minute early. As the door slid back, Tsukune could see that it was the same man who had driven him to Yokai that morning. "I had a feeling you'd run, kid," he said. "I could see it in your face."
Suddenly, Moka's scream pierced the silence. Tsukune glanced back at the woods, then looked at the bus driver, unsure of what to do. "You coming along or not, kid?" the bus driver asked.
Even if she's a monster, I can't just leave Moka when she needs help! Tsukune shook his head and sprinted back the way he came. The bus driver chuckled. "Good luck, kid…you'll need it."
Tsukune's breath came in sharp, heavy draws. He was not used to this level of physical activity, but he continued at his breakneck pace until Moka was within his sights. "Moka-san!" he called out to her, his voice ragged.
"Tsukune, watch out!" she yelled back. "Saizo's transformed!"
A large fist came crashing down a few feet from Tsukune, rending the earth around it and causing Tsukune to stumble. "If you've got any last words, Aono, I'd say 'em quick," roared Saizo, rearing back for another punch.
"THIS is Saizo?!" sputtered Tsukune. "Are all monsters like this?!"
"Not all of us!"
A green streak flashed through the trees, causing Saizo to howl in pain. Tsukune looked up and saw that there were several small cuts along his chest. To his left, Kidoku was flying level with the treetops. Dark wings and a tail had sprouted from his body, and long claws extended from his hands.
"Tsukune!" he called out. "Transform! We can take him together!" He started zigzagging around the area, striking at Saizo whenever his guard was down. Saizo stepped away from Moka and swung aimlessly at Kidoku.
Tsukune rushed to Moka's side and held her up. "Are you alright?" he asked, his face crossed with worry.
"Run, Tsukune!" she said weakly. "Humans are no match for a transformed monster!"
"No," said Tsukune firmly. "I will protect you, Moka-san, because…I want to be your friend."
Moka smiled softly at Tsukune. Hot tears began flowing down her cheeks once more, but this time she was crying with joy.
"HEY!" shouted Kidoku as he raked Saizo's chest once more. "I could use a little help, you two!"
"What a nuisance," growled Saizo. He reached out and caught Kidoku by the tail and proceeded to slam him against the ground. Kidoku writhed on the ground, groaning with pain.
"Kidoku!" cried Tsukune. Moka pulled Tsukune close and looked him directly in the eyes. "I keep my power sealed with this rosary," she said, gesturing to the cross around her neck. "I can't take it off myself." Moka clasped Tsukune's hands and brought them up to the rosary. "But you're a human, so…maybe you can."
Moka gave his hands a slight tug, and the rosary came off. A wave of potent demonic energy washed over the forest as Moka's inner self emerged. Her bright pink hair faded to steel silver, and her brilliant green eyes became red with slits for pupils.
"Ahaha! Wonderful!" roared Saizo. "I've always wanted to tussle with one of your kind!" The gigantic orc threw a mighty punch at Moka. Without even flinching, she raised one hand and stopped the colossal fist mere inches from her head.
"What?!" gasped Saizo. "How did you block my attack?!"
"Stupid orc," spat Moka. "All size and no strength. LEARN YOUR PLACE!" Moka pulled hard on Saizo's arm to draw him closer, then jumped and spun, delivering a powerful kick to the side of Saizo's head.
Saizo flew several feet and skidded to a halt, where he remained motionless. Tsukune was speechless, amazed by what he had just witnessed. The new Moka walked over to him and he backed away slightly, still somewhat frightened by her new appearance.
"Scared?" she asked. "I'm not going to hurt you, Tsukune." Stepping in closer, she took back the rosary. "That was very brave of you. The same goes for your friend over there." Moka pointed to Kidoku's twitching form. She then reattached the rosary. "Please thank him for me." Almost immediately, Moka fainted, her hair returning to its normal cheerful color. Tsukune caught her and noticed a peaceful smile spread across her lips.
Tsukune carried her over to where Kidoku was lying on the ground. He opened one eye and looked up at Tsukune. "Is she…safe?" he asked, his voice a faint whisper. Tsukune nodded. Kidoku grinned back at him. "Good." Without another word, Kidoku pushed himself up off the ground slowly. When he stood, his knees were shaking.
"Do you need help?" Tsukune asked, looking worried.
"No," mumbled Kidoku. "I can stand."
The two boys began walking back to the dorms, Tsukune carrying Moka in his arms. Kidoku nudged his shoulder gently. "You've got some explaining to do."